Retail & Sales Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Sales Engineer Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median sales engineer salary in Chicago, IL is $116,127 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$116,127
vs State Avg
+$13,023
vs National
+$7,597
Cost of Living
107%

Sales Engineer Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median sales engineer salary of $116,127, which is $13,023 above the Illinois state average of $103,104. Compared to the national median of $108,530, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for sales engineers in Chicago spans from $66,340 at the 10th percentile to $190,460 at the 90th percentile — a $124,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $69,550, while senior sales engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $181,900. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Sales Engineer Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level sales engineer earns around $69,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $181,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$69,550
+$4,550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$117,700
+$7,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$181,900
+$11,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $66,340
25th Percentile $87,740
Median (50th) $116,127
75th Percentile $151,940
90th Percentile $190,460

Sales Engineer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$117,212
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$103,104
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$92,251
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$88,995
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Sales Engineer in Chicago

Education

Most sales engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Technical KnowledgeSalesProduct DemosSolution SellingCRMClient Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, sales engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Sales Engineer Jobs in Chicago

Browse open sales engineer positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Sales Engineer Salary in Chicago

How much does a Sales Engineer make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median sales engineer salary in Chicago, Illinois is $116,127 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $108,530. Salaries range from $66,340 (10th percentile) to $190,460 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sales Engineer make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $116,127, a sales engineer in Chicago earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for sales engineer pay? ▼
Chicago's median sales engineer salary of $116,127 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $103,104. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a sales engineer salary of $116,127 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sales engineer in Chicago? ▼
Most sales engineer positions in Chicago require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Technical Knowledge, Sales, Product Demos, Solution Selling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.